 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Election
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1999
Common Sense Media says
Dark high school comedy is best for older teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that in this dark comedy, almost everyone engages in bad behavior as they set out to win at all costs. This movie also includes questionable sexual situations (statutory rape, extramarital affairs, and teenage sex), foul language, and an irreverent attitude toward religion. All in all, both teens and adults appear untrustworthy and unethical. Older teens may be mature enough to watch this film.
What's the story?
After years of joyfully teaching high school, Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) -- every kid's favorite guy -- finds his professional and personal lives spinning out of control. After the school over-achiever Tracey Flick (Reese Witherspoon) raises her hand one too many times, McAllister sets out to foil her plan to win the position of student council president. Challenged (at the behest of McAllister) by a clueless yet lovable jock (Chris Klein) and his antisocial lesbian sister (Jessica Campbell), Flick will stop at nothing to win her student council seat. Both teacher and success-craving student make suspect choices as the plot speeds toward an end that will decide the fates of its dueling leads.
Is it any good?
ELECTION is simply one in a line of quirky comedies directed by Alexander Payne (Citizen Ruth [1996], About Schmidt [2004], and Sideways [2004]). Like his other contributions, this dark comedy combines fascinating character types, tragic life events, and dark comedy to produce painfully poignant images of contemporary life. The film does a fine job of presenting high school though the jaded eyes of both teacher and student, while throwing in a selection of stereotypes for good measure.
A turning point in the careers of three of its main performers, Election transformed Broderick's career as he shed Ferris Bueller's sweater vest for the shirt and tie of the "man." Additionally, this film launched Witherspoon into A-list stardom and catapulted the career of Klein, whose portrayal of the lovable jock led to leading roles in such high profile films as American Pie (1999) and 2 (2001) and We Were Soldiers (2002).
What families can talk about
Families can talk about issues relating to ethics. Throughout this movie, characters make unethical choices. Parents may want to ask their kids to identify those actions. They may also want to use this time to discuss issues related to school. Does this film remind teens of their own school experiences? Do they know people like the characters? What are politics like at their schools?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
good movie, but NOT FOR KIDS
I rented this with my dad, and watched it a few weeks ago. It is a very good film, great style of film-making, and amazing acting and writing, but it is ABSOLUTELY NOT FOR KIDS. This movie has a sex scene almost every 2 minutes. They discuss it, Tracy Flick (Witherspoon) has a sexual affair with a teacher... Great movie but a LOT of sex.
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AGE
No way!
I think it would be a good film BUT I am twelve and I read a review and instantly changed the channel. I think the plot and film would of been good, don't get me wrong, but it is a bit too.... rude.
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AGE
OMG I was Tracy Flick back in high school! Best movie ever!!!!
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AGE
Dark, but funny
Good movie, good acting and interesting concept of student vs teacher.
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AGE
Dark high school film is really good
One of my favorite dark comedies. Very clever. This is Witherspoon's finest performance after Walk the Line. As for the other actors, it is fine. Too much sexual dialogue & some situations however. Nothing too graphic. Best recommended for older teens. Overall, very memorable cult high school film.
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AGE
Good performances&movie
Very good movie. Dark comedies are my favorite, & this is a cult classic. I enjoyed it. STRONG sexuality in the movie. Not recommended for kids whatsoever.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Alexander Payne |
| Cast: | Chris Klein, Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 103 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1999 |
| DVD release date: | October 19, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong sexuality, sex-related dialogue and language, and a scene of drug use |
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